Producer Talk

Talking Sounddesign With M.Simp

What up family? First off thank you for taking time out of your schedule. For those who may not be familiar with you, can you tell the readers who you are and what you do. How did you get into production and sound design?

M.Simp

Thanks for having me and the opportunity fam. Well, I’m M.Simp, short from Michael Simpson. God fearing, family man first and foremost. Secondly, I’m a producer, engineer, and sound designer. I now just say I’m an audio technician. Anything to do with sound and sonics I pretty much cover. I got into music production around 15 with the MTV Music Generator game. Prior to that, I believe that being in band growing up cultivated my appreciation for collective sound and arrangement and the space that each instrument occupied. It intrigued me so much that I’ve dedicated every day of my life since then to studying this art.

In 2010 I founded Stompboxx Music, LLC. in which I did some really cool things with my music such as produce for Bubba Sparxxx, Kurupt, Crooked I, Scarface, Tory Lanez, Roosh Williams, and more. I was able to land numerous TV and film placements with companies like E!, Oxygen, Bravo, MTV, and others. I think at some point I just became bored and disheartened at the state of the industry and with chasing placements. So, I moved on from that. I’d always receive emails and calls on my sound, specifically drums, from guys needing help or guidance. In 2013 after lots of chats with my guy The Drumbroker, he finally convinced me to do an official kit. So, myself and my right hand guy Matt Slack (co-owner of MSXII Sound Design) just came up with a vision and ran with it. It’s been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding ventures I’ve ever done. I’m coming up on 2 years of running MSX Audio and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s brought.

Marv

You’ve created a catalog of different drum kits, synth, etc. How did you get into that venture.

M.Simp

Again, it was created out of necessity. I’ve always believed in giving back and sharing wealth and knowledge to help educate and inspire others. The need was there, it was confirmed by some key people in my life, and the passion existed. I basically haven’t looked back since.

Marv

Why do you believe sound designing is important?

M.Simp

I think sound designing is important to push boundaries and expectations. Starting out, most producers don’t know anything about a HPF, or what tones resonate below 40Hz, or how to use subtractive EQ. This takes tons of time, studying, and research. However, the talent may be there–and that may be evident in tiny spurts of production from an individual. It just may not be consistent due to the lack of knowledge. What we do is try to cut down on that curve by providing kits and instruments (ideas) that work well together and complement each other sonically. I think that’s why you’ll find so many of our supporters (s/o to the MSXNation!) with numerous titles of our work. I’m literally trying to save the next Timbo or Dre from being frustrated to the point of giving up. Maybe I can inspire him/her and they’ll keep going. That’s my approach with everything.

Marv

How has the response been since you’ve started your company?

M.Simp

Honestly, it’s been more than I’ve imagined. It’s been great—super humbling. It’s what keeps us going. We do it for the people. Ask anyone around us and they’ll tell you the same. We’re just everyday people with goals, families, and life as well. However, we’re just committed to excellence and furthering the betterment of the producer community.

Marv

Recently, theDrumbroker.com posted a tweet about illegal downloading and supporting the producers that create the product. Has illegal downloading affected you since you’ve started?

M.Simp

I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t affected us. However, we don’t focus on the illegitimate. We’re here for the true supporters. They’ll be rewarded. Just know we’re not ignorant business wise and we always have contingencies. The lazy won’t really like our next moves. Haha

Marv

What is your process when sound designing? How much work goes into making a kit?

M.Simp

Haha, come on man. I can’t give you that! I can tell you, however, that ton of work goes into the thought process of a kit or product offering. Like I’ve said, everything we do is meant to complement each other. Think of it like Apple and their design. It’s consistent. Best foot forward always. My apologies to friends and fam that reach out when I’m locked in. I become very hard to reach at times. Lol.

Marv

What equipment are using to make the kits? Do you have gang of vintage keyboards, drums, etc. that you use?

M.Simp

We use a wide range of equipment. Stuff rotates in and out of our studio all the time. What we house are 4 drum sets with numerous snares and cymbals. We also have a Fender Rhodes 73, Vibraphone, analog 2inch tape machine, MPC 3000, a couple Maschine MK2s, Yamaha DX7, of course software and plugins, various outboard gear, and access to all the Moogs, Oberheims, vintage Korgs, Mellotrons you can think of. We also have immediate access to great a sounding studio that’s home to an SSL and Neve, Manley, and UA outboard. I think more importantly than this is we have a ton of people resources. We’re super grateful for the folks and companies that believe in us and what we do. They make a lot of what we offer possible.

Marv

What can we expect from you in the future?

M.Simp

In the future just continue to expect my best. My best in my relationships, MSXII Sound Design, and life in general. I have a ton more planned and I’m constantly goal setting. I look forward to taking more risks and winning. There are some partnerships on deck that I can’t speak of as well, but these will show up soon for everyone. We’re also shooting a short documentary on MSX Audio and we’ll share a peep into our process and give our thoughts on some key subjects in the industry. So, in a nutshell, just keep expecting hard work and the execution of a thought out game plan!

Marv

Any last words for the readers?

M.Simp

Yes, keep God 1st in all you do and commit your plans to Him. After that, get busy! Also, follow me and my moves—if I’m cool enough for you! I’d love to link and build.